Armed with a strong team of seven runners at Sha Tin on Sunday, Chris So Wai-yin was left with mixed emotions after Pakistan Legacy drew ideally in barrier three but three of his other prominent chances copped wide gates.

Closing in on his first Hong Kong success after two seconds from four local starts, Pakistan Legacy was dealt a sweet draw for the Class Three Beas River Country Club Handicap (1,200m) after jumping from 11 last start when fifth to the reopposing Moduleconstruction.

While So was thrilled with the Australian import’s improved draw, the 56-year-old rued double-digit gates drawn by last-start winner With A Smile (13), Mask Rider (10) and Winning Gold (10).

Unbeaten from two pre-import starts, Pakistan Legacy has run close seconds to Super Legends and Lady’s Choice and was forced to settle further back than expected from barrier 11 last start.

He had made up late ground to finish two lengths behind Francis Lui Kin-wai’s Moduleconstruction, who must overcome a wide draw in 11 on Sunday and a 6lbs swing in favour of Pakistan Legacy.

“I was hoping for a good draw,” So said. “Zac [Purton] always sticks with him. He thinks the horse is OK and the owner is good friends with Zac.

“The horse has run very well, he just needs some luck. He’s healthy and everything’s all right.”

So, who has prepared 29 winners this term, will also be relying on Purton’s magic to help With A Smile overcome his wide gate in the Class Four Sha Tin Clubhouse Handicap (1,400m).

Purton was aboard for the Merchant Navy three-year-old’s maiden victory last start, when he shrugged off a wide run without cover from barrier 12 to narrowly score over 1,400m at Sha Tin.

“I think after his last run, he’s still improving,” So said of With A Smile, who broke through at start four.

“Zac sticks with him and I think the horse is up-and-coming. Let’s see.”

With A Smile jumps 7lbs on his last-start triumph to carry equal top weight of 135lbs.

Another Australian import, Mask Rider, chases his second win in the city in the Class Three Members Cup (1,200m) on dirt after scoring first up in January.

The Justify gelding has only registered one placing in four subsequent runs, but he had excuses last time out when sixth to Must Go after being trapped wide throughout from barrier nine.

“He’s another one that needed a good draw,” So said.

“Britney [Wong Po-ni] has won a lot of races on the dirt and we asked her to ride him again. His last run was good and hopefully we get some luck.”

Winning Gold has been hampered by wide draws since scoring on objection over Sky Trust in February. James Orman will again ride the four-time winner in Sunday’s final race, the Class Three Shenzhen Centre Handicap (1,600m).

“He’s very competitive – every race, he never disappoints,” So said. “Hopefully he can win a Class Three, but they are all strong.”

Hinokami Kagura, Firefoot and Fortune Racer are the other runners on Sunday for So, who continues to weigh up whether to set emerging stable star Hong Lok Golf for the Group Three Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) on May 31.

“He will run again, but there aren’t many races for him,” So said of the five-time winner from six starts.

“There is the Group Three on May 31. We’ll get him ready and the other race would be at Happy Valley, but we have to discuss with the owner.

“The horse can race forward, so I think Happy Valley would also suit him.”